The persistent issue of women’s under-representation in political leadership is particularly notable in Fiji, a country where women make up nearly half of the population. Despite this, their presence in decision-making roles, especially within parliament and local government, remains significantly lacking.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade, Cooperatives, MSMEs, and Communications, Manoa Kamikamica, emphasized this challenge while inaugurating a Capacity Building Training program for prospective women and youth election candidates in Suva. This two-day event aims to foster understanding and collaboration among candidates as they address the daily hurdles faced by women leaders in Fiji.
Organized by Dialogue Fiji, the training is seen as a proactive initiative by the government to tackle concerns raised by candidates. Kamikamica expressed the government’s commitment to support events and initiatives that empower women, particularly in political arenas.
Salailagi Taleimaitoga, a law student and participant in the training program, voiced her concerns regarding the limited number of women in political roles. She believes her experience and voice can advocate for greater representation. Taleimaitoga also encouraged fellow young Fijian women interested in politics to pursue their aspirations, reminding them that it’s never too late to learn and achieve their goals.
The training seeks to inspire and equip more young women in Fiji to assert their voices in both the workplace and political spheres.
In summary, the ongoing efforts to empower women in Fiji highlight a positive trend towards greater representation in politics. As the government emphasizes support for women’s initiatives, there’s hope for a more inclusive political landscape that recognizes the vital contributions of women. This initiative not only fosters potential leaders but also empowers future generations to strive for equality in governance.
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